Police Officer Noah Leotta Dies at Age 24 (VIDEO)

UPDATED Montgomery County Police Officer Noah Leotta, who was struck by a vehicle one week ago today while working as part of a Holiday Task Force in Rockville, has passed away at a local hospital.

The Montgomery County Police Department paid tribute to Leotta today outside the Wheaton Police Station on Randolph Road.

Leotta, 24, grew up in Montgomery County. He was a Sherwood High School graduate and he attended Montgomery College. He interned with the Police Department from Dec. 2011 to Jan. 2013.

In January 2013, Leotta was hired as a Montgomery County Police Officer candidate and attended the Montgomery County Police Academy as a member of Session 58. The class graduated in July 2013 and Leotta was assigned to the 4th District for field training. When he completed his training, he remained in the 4th District as a 4th District patrol officer.

“Noah loved his job and demonstrated a level of enthusiasm that drove a work ethic and professionalism that we can all aspire to,” said Police Chief Tom Manger. “These qualities made him the man and the police officer that he was.”

On the night that he was struck, Officer Leotta was working as a member of the annual Holiday Alcohol Task Force. Police said the driver involved in the collision is suspected of driving under the influence of drugs and alcohol.

Leotta’s colleagues said he had a passion for serving the community and was an exemplary officer as evidenced by comments in a recent performance evaluation. His supervisor wrote: “He arrives at work early every day with a smile on his face as though he can’t wait to start the day. His enthusiasm for the job is unwavering and infectious.” His supervisor further explained, “He is humble and selfless and never seeks any recognition for himself. Officer Leotta is always willing to help out fellow officers in any way he can.”

Montgomery County Council President Nancy Floreen has released a statement on behalf of the Council.

“On behalf of the County Council, I want to extend our deepest sympathies to the family of Police Officer Noah Leotta,” said Floreen. “In the days since he was severely injured in the line of duty, we have heard so many people he worked with, and so many in the Olney community where he grew up and lived, talk about his zest for life and love of his job as a member of the County Police Department. He represents the best of our Police Department and our community. This is a sad day for all residents of Montgomery County.”

Congressman Chris Van Hollen said, “Officer Noah Leotta’s dedication to our community will never be forgotten.”

Councilmember Sidney Katz said, “Our hearts go out to the family, friends and colleagues of MCPD Officer Noah Leotta, who passed away this morning, age 24.”

Councilmember Marc Elrich said: “On behalf of my colleagues on the Public Safety Committee, we extend our deepest condolences to the family and friends, and to fellow Montgomery County Police officers, on the devastating loss of Officer Noah Leotta…he was caring, compassionate, diligent and dedicated to making his community a better place. We mourn his tragic and senseless death.”

Anyone wishing to send condolences to Noah’s family may email his family at: fornoah@montgomerycountymd.gov. The mailbox is designated for sending thoughts and prayers to Officer Leotta’s family

The Montgomery County Police Department is hosting a blood drive in honor of Officer Noah Leotta. You can give the gift of life by donating blood in honor of Officer Leotta from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Public Safety Headquarters in Gaithersburg on Dec. 21. You can sign up online or call the […]

Montgomery County Police will conduct a sobriety check point tonight in partnership with officers from the Gaithersburg Police Department, Rockville Police Department, and Maryland-National Capital Park Police Department in memory of fallen Officer Noah Leotta. According to a news release, officers will be handing out cards that include a picture of Leotta, a message about […]

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Montgomery County Police Officer Noah Leotta’s name has been added to the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial in Washington, D.C. Officer Leotta was on duty last December when he was struck by a vehicle while working a Holiday Alcohol Task Force in Rockville. He died from his injuries a few days later. Next week is […]

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About Willie James Inman

Willie James Inman is a Community Engagement Specialist and Multimedia Journalist at Montgomery Community Media (MCM). You can email story ideas at winman@mymcmedia.org or reach him on Twitter @imwilljames.

About MyMCMedia

Montgomery Community Media (MCM) is the only independent, nonprofit organization providing access to public media (public access television and broadband media) directly to Montgomery County's over one million residents as well as the resident non-profit organizations, associations and businesses.
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